A quest for waterfalls and beaches of Iceland
Among all treasures of Iceland, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss posses unique serenity and contemplation spirit of a waterfall, while Reynisfjara Beach is a black sanded jewel of unprecedented beauty…
Iceland remains one of the rare European lands, where uninhabited space, filled with untouched nature, still dominates the country. With its population density of just over three inhabitants per square kilometer, and size similar to the state of Colorado, one can find stunning examples of natural wonders. A quest for the most stunning beaches and waterfalls of Iceland is always a challenge. It should definitely start from the country’s southern tip, where hills and steep cliffs meet ice cold water of the ocean. Around 2 hours and 35 minutes drive, south-east from the capital Reykjavik, will provide interesting insight to volcanic and glacial activity that formed Iceland of today.
Put on your hiking, waterproof shoes and jackets and you are ready. Passing green pastures, lava fields and mighty volcanoes with their white glacial caps on top, will bring you to your first stop – Vik town. It can be described as a tiny village to enjoy a nice break with some snacks and great variety of souvenirs. From there, you need just 10 min drive to the west, to reach highly protected natural reserve – Reynisfjara Beach.
Black sanded paradise – Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara Beach rocky formations
For a moment, forget about exotic tropical beaches and enjoy the moment on a purely black sanded paradise of Iceland. This unreal site was used as a perfect stage for both Game of Thrones and Star Wars movie. Volcanic rocks, eroded through millions of years, created super fine sand, washed by the white waves of the Atlantic ocean. If you encounter strong wind and rainy weather, be cautious, due to gigantic and dangerous waves.
Reynisfjara Beach, South Coast of Iceland
Nobody can resist this site of supreme beauty, with two famous rocky columns, rising form the ocean. Specifically shaped, rectangular gray blocks on the beach cliff tells another fascinating story. Last ice age started with sculpting Reynisfjara mountain, while rain and winds finally shaped these unusual forms. Understanding forces of the ocean, combined with volcanic activity in the coastal area, can be crucial enough, to enter the world of beaches and waterfalls of Iceland, with all their beauty.
Reynisfara Beach erosion shaped blocks, Iceland. I am sitting among huge gray blocks
Rainbow over Skogafoss waterfall
Your journey to discover beaches and waterfalls of Iceland continues for another half an hour drive north west from the black beach. You will reach Skogar town, with only 25 inhabitants, small church and a museum. Next to it, admire spectacular view of Skogafoss, waterfall that will instantly leave you speechless. Waterfall is a story for itself, but please check out steep cliffs, endlessly stretching on both sides creating famous Highlands of Iceland. Stunning beauty of the cliffs, formerly in direct touch with the ocean, continued to exist when the coastline receded, leaving them inland forever. Approaching Skogafoss, excitement grows, while on a clear summer day, single or double rainbow is guaranteed. Loads of water flow from gigantic Eyjafjallajokull glacier, resting on top of a volcano. This very same volcano violently erupted in 2010., shutting down European air traffic for 5 days.
Skogafoss with all its beauty, Iceland
Skogafoss beauty with double rainbow
From the height of 60m (197ft), water heavily drops from a cliff hitting the bottom of a waterfall, in a violent beauty of sounds and colors. If you plan to take award winning photo close to the waterfall, will make you wet in a few seconds. Observing it from the proper distance, with ultra green tones of the cliff, will be more than exceptional experience. Sometimes, I seriously think of the legendary treasure, hidden in a cave behind the waterfall, whenever I am close to Skogafoss. My always strong will to explore more, motivates me to usually climb 370 steep steps on the right side of a cliff and reach the top. From there you can continue your adventure on a hiking trail, with incredible views of Icelandic coastline. Even just standing on a platform above the waterfall enables unforgettable, bird’s eye glimpse of Skogafoss beauty. This is where where beaches and waterfalls of Iceland reach their unity.
Glorious Seljalandsfoss waterfall
It’s always tough to leave this site, but just a short, 25min drive down the Ring Road one, brings you to the banks of Seljalands River. It is fed by the water from the same, already mentioned, volcano glacier. And then, graceful creation of nature, Seljalandsfoss waterfall appears, with all its glory. A few major spouts bring the water from 60m high plateau, forming gentle, water curtain.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland
Magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland
Maybe you wonder, what is behind it? Check your hiking equipment, and use a chance for 360° experience of a waterfall. as a truly rare opportunity anywhere in the world. Hidden rocky path, quite slippery and sometimes muddy, takes you right to the heart of the adventure – the cave behind the waterfall! I have no words powerful enough for sight through millions of water drops, with the greenest landscapes ever, seen on the other side.
Every corner of the area, no matter where you are standing, provide different perspective and simply stunning spots for pictures. If you ever have a chance for a weekend stay, camping sites around any of the waterfall areas are quite affordable. You can hike, fish with locals, or simply take your own time, being face to face with Icelandic natural wonders. Full day, easy pace journey from Reykjavik, to discover this fascinationg part of the south coast of Iceland, is something essential and memorable .
I always recall my last visit to Iceland. Seljandsfoss was more then magical, Skogafoss shown its double rainbow, while Reynisfjara beach welcomed me sunbathed, with perfectly calm ocean and a light breeze. Beaches and waterfalls of Iceland truly remain a lifetime experience.
What a glorious gift for my eyes and soul!!!
Seljalandsfoss cave behind the waterfall, Iceland
Notice: article images are made by Jonnie World Walker team.
Ready to explore more?
♣
When visiting Iceland, the essential thing is to respect the powers of very unpredictable nature. Sometimes, not paying attention and wish to take better photos, can cause serious, even dramatic situations. Check out this video from Reynisfjara Beach.
Video: Erica Mengouchian
